The Life and Letters of Gilbert White of Selborne

Published in 1901, this illustrated two-volume biography of the renowned English naturalist Gilbert White (1720-93) presents a thorough account of his life and achievements. Prepared by White’s great-great-nephew Rashleigh Holt-White (1826-1920), it incorporates a selection of White’s correspondence with family and friends, providing valuable insights into his beliefs and character. Included are letters sent by White’s lifelong friend John Mulso (1721-91), who praised the naturalist’s work, predicting it would ‘immortalise’ White and his Hampshire village. Still considered a classic text, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789), featuring White’s careful observations of local flora and fauna, is also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection. In the present work, Holt-White sought to correct the ‘erroneous statements’ that had previously been made about his relative. Volume 1 covers White’s life and achievements up to August 1776, including his studies at Oxford and his ordination as a priest.